QuEST – 2017 1
II. QuEST
Contents The Basics of QuEST .................................................................................................................................. 2
QuEST Curriculum ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Sequencing of Requirements .................................................................................................................... 7
Courses Meeting QuEST Requirements ........................................................................................................ 9
Area 1: Abilities of the Liberal Arts ........................................................................................................... 9
Area 2: Liberal Arts .................................................................................................................................... 9
A. Mathematical Sciences ..................................................................................................................................... 9
B. Laboratory Science............................................................................................................................................ 9
C. Science, Technology, and the World ............................................................................................................... 10
A. Social Sciences ................................................................................................................................................ 11
B. European History ............................................................................................................................................ 11
C. United States History ...................................................................................................................................... 11
A. Literature ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
B. Philosophy....................................................................................................................................................... 12
C. Religion ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
D. Arts ................................................................................................................................................................. 12
2.5 Non-Western Studies .................................................................................................................................... 14
Area 3: Christian Faith ............................................................................................................................. 15
3.1 Knowledge of the Bible ................................................................................................................................. 15
3.2 Christian Beliefs ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Area 4: Social Responsibility ................................................................................................................... 15
4.1 Wellness [1 hr.] ............................................................................................................................................. 15
A. Ethics in the Modern World ............................................................................................................................ 16
B. World Views .................................................................................................................................................... 17
C. Pluralism in Contemporary Society ................................................................................................................. 17
Guide to Navigating Advising Equivalencies for QuEST Requirements ...................................................... 18
Important Considerations Regarding QuEST Equivalencies.................................................................... 19
Transfer Equivalencies ............................................................................................................................ 20
QuEST – 2017 2
The Basics of QuEST QuEST is based on several assumptions which affect the design and implementation of curriculum.
The curriculum consists of 54 credits supporting our four learning outcomes. However, students
typically complete no more than 50 credits, as all majors have at least one course which also
meets QuEST requirements.
Unless otherwise noted in the curriculum, all courses will have a class enrollment maximum of
35 students per faculty member.
Courses may be team taught (no more than 3 faculty members). Team-taught courses will
provide adequate student discussion and student-faculty dialogue in groups of no more than 35
students.
Each component of the QuEST curriculum has a set of unique course objectives, by which
courses are approved to meet the component of the curriculum. Only courses which meet these
objectives, including those taken at other institutions, will satisfy the relevant component.
Students may not use a course to meet more than one component of the QuEST curriculum;
“double-dipping” between categories is not permitted.
The General Education Committee may approve multiple courses in each section of the
curriculum. This approach is based on the assumption that both learning and teaching are
facilitated when students are free to choose courses which correspond to personal areas of
interest and when professors are free to design and teach courses which grow out of their
individual interests and professional expertise.
Departments may require that all students within a major/ department take a single course to meet
the objective. Where an approved QuEST course is also specified as a major requirement, it will
free a corresponding number of unrestricted elective credit hours for the student. Please consult
the major advising sheets for the QuEST components specified by each specific major.
QuEST Curriculum QuEST, Messiah College’s general education program, serves as a curricular progression through which
students develop skills, abilities and perspectives necessary to become collaborative agents in the
contemporary workforce and society. This progression is intended to complement and parallel the
academic majors in a way which allows students to respond with maturity to the world’s complexities by
raising important questions, exposing students to multiple perspectives and ways of knowing (i.e. arts,
humanities, natural sciences, social sciences). In doing so, our curriculum encourages critical thinking and
the application of knowledge from diverse disciplines, informed by faith and a sense of purpose, to
relevant issues which shape our lives. The curriculum is divided into four outcomes which reflect
Messiah’s educational objectives.
Area One—Abilities of the Liberal Arts foster the abilities to think, read, write and speak effectively.
Individuals who develop these abilities are more flexible and adaptable to the changes of the world across
the spectrum of different fields and life experiences. (9 credits)
First Year Seminar (3 credits)
Created and Called for Community (3 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Writing Enriched course* (3 credits)
*For students matriculating during the 2013-14 academic year or earlier: Each student is required to complete a
writing-enriched course. Approved courses are listed online with a “Writing Enriched” attribute. The selected course
may, but need not, simultaneously meet the W requirement and another curricular requirement.
QuEST – 2017 3
Area Two—Knowledge of the Liberal Arts promotes awareness and insight of how people with
different perspectives, beliefs and disciplines interpret reality and make meaning. Given that modern
society and the workplace involve increasingly complex and global issues, students must develop a
breadth of knowledge and the capability for action informed by context and purpose. (35 credits)
1. Mathematical and Natural Sciences (9 credits)
Mathematical Science (3)
Laboratory Science (3)
Science, Technology, and the World (3)
2. Social Sciences and History (6 credits)
Two of the following:
Social Science (3)
European History (3)
United States History (3)
3. Humanities and Arts (9 credits)
Literature (3)
Arts (3)
One of the following:
Religion (3)
Philosophy (3)
4. Languages and Culture (9 credits)
One of the following:
Language (6) two semesters of the same language (6) AND an off-campus, cross-cultural
studies course (3)
Language (9) three semesters of the same language (9)
5. Non-Western Studies (2–3 credits)
Area Three—Christian Faith encourages students to articulate and evaluate one’s faith by gaining
knowledge of the Bible’s content and themes, including the biblical witness of service, leadership and
reconciliation, and by understanding how different Christian faith traditions may shape beliefs. Students
develop deeper commitments in service to God and to others as they explore connections between faith
and learning. (6 credits)
Knowledge of the Bible (3)
Christian Beliefs (3)
Area Four—Social Responsibility facilitates deepening self-awareness as students discern and
develop their identity, gifts and vocation, as well as Christian character. These academic experiences
empower students to act upon their knowledge and judgment through meaningful careers and lives that
respond to the complexities of this world. (4 credits)
Wellness Activity Course (1 credit)
Engaging a Pluralistic World: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3 credits)
One of the following:
Ethics in the Modern World (3)
World Views (3)
Pluralism in Contemporary America (3)
QuEST – 2017 4
Interdisciplinary Courses
Interdisciplinary (ID) courses provide areas of integrated learning in which students wrestle with and
address complex questions that face our society, and are woven throughout the curriculum. Throughout
their QuEST, students will be challenged to answer these questions by examining different perspectives,
theories and experiences in order to arrive at a more discerning conclusion. Students cultivate adeptness
in navigating complexity and thinking holistically about these issues in order to reflect upon their own
beliefs, as well as bridge values and assumptions of diverse perspectives. In turn, students are
empowered to respond to unexpected and ever-changing realities they will encounter in life, work and
society.
IDFY 101 First Year Seminar (3) Faculty from a diverse array of disciplines engage students in conversations that focus on issues central to
the college's educational mission -- faith, identity, vocation, character, and responsible action. Courses
include opportunities to develop effective writing, close reading, critical thinking, as well as the
identification and appropriate use of sources for research. All these skills foster a discerning mind and the
effective communication of ideas, which provide an essential foundation upon which one’s learning and
intellect develop.
Course Description: An introduction to the intellectual life of the college for first-year students. This is
done in the context of a small-discussion-oriented seminar designed around specific themes proposed and
taught by individual faculty from a variety of academic disciplines. Emphasis is given to developing
important academic skills such as writing, reading, and critical thinking.
IDCR 151 Created and Called for Community (3) In this second course in our writing program students consider the central question, 'What is my vocation
as a faithful steward of God's creation?" They seek answers by engaging biblical themes of creation,
forgiveness, compassion, peacemaking, and reconciliation through an examination of literary, historical,
artistic, philosophical, and theological works using the lens of Messiah College's distinctive foundational
values. Our foundational commitments have a particular focus on the importance of community and
hospitality, as all peoples are made in the image of God. Students therefore develop the ability to be
theologically reflective, to develop an appreciation for their own identity and Christian vocation, and to
cultivate their intellect and character in preparation for lives of leadership through service in the world.
Course Description: The central question to be considered is: “What is my vocation as a faithful steward
of God’s creation?” Through examining literary, historical, artistic, philosophical and theological works,
students engage in the biblical themes of forgiveness, compassion, non-violence, peacemaking, justice,
and racial and gender reconciliation through the lens of the College’s unique religious identity and
foundational values, with a particular focus on the importance of community.
IDST 300 Science, Technology and the World (3) Science and technology influence and impact every aspect of our modern society. An examination of
these influences provides students with a significant understanding of how science, technology and the
Christian faith complement and challenge one another related to relevant ethical, social, cultural,
historical, political or sustainable issues. Therefore, within a Christian context, students gain the ability to
contribute to societal discourses on issues and controversies which emanate from advances in science and
technology.
Course Description: An interdisciplinary exploration of the nature, methodology, and scope of science
with special emphasis on the interrelationship between science and culture.
QuEST – 2017 5
IDNW 200 Non-Western Studies (2–3) Studies of non-western cultures furthers students ability to understand and appreciate social customs,
traditions, systems of thought and expression in various civilizations such as the Middle East, Asia,
Africa, the Caribbean Islands, the Pacific Islands, Latin America and indigenous cultures across the
world. In life, the ability to generally understand the context of perspectives, expectations and experiences
of cultures different from one’s own facilitates effective relationship-building and problem-solving with
people of differing backgrounds.
Course Description: An engagement with cultures or people whose heritage and/or present life has been
significantly shaped by customs, practices, and ideas outside the European tradition.
IDCC 260 Cross-Cultural Studies (3) By living in another culture for several weeks or a semester, students have the opportunity to understand
the paradoxes, tensions, consistencies and values in a society significantly different from their own.
Direct experience within other cultures develops an appropriate sense of self-awareness of one’s own
cultural assumptions and the pervasiveness of cross-cultural encounters in the human experience. This
immersion equips students for appropriate interaction with persons of different social norms, appreciate
multiple viewpoints, and recognize the importance of developing mutual trust and respect in cross-
cultural interaction when relating to others or living in complex situations.
Course Description: A field-based examination of one or more cultures which seeks to increase the
students’ appreciation for and understanding of cultural traditions other than their own. Requires three
weeks of on-site study, including home-stays or ethnographic fieldwork, in addition to readings, lectures,
and site visitations.
WELL 100 Wellness Activity (1) The activity wellness course equips students to identify the significance of behavior choices in reducing
disease risk and improving overall health. A variety of different wellness activity courses provides
students with the opportunity to practice skills and develop commitments to lifetime physical activity.
Wellness education encourages students to recognize the integrated relationship between spiritual,
emotional, physical, relational and intellectual health.
IDET 300 Ethics in the Modern World (3) This course builds on the concepts introduced in Created and Called for Community: we are made in the
image of God, made to live in community and called to serve Him within society. Ethics courses focus
students’ attention on critically evaluating selected contemporary social and moral issues and
incorporating Christian responses to complex problems. Study is designed to help students prepare to
engage in the world in which they will live and work, as well as develop and defend ethical perspectives
on challenging situations or issues.
Course Description: An examination of various approaches to moral decision-making and an application
of these approaches to selected contemporary ethical issues and problems. Prerequisite: IDCR 151
IDWV 300 World Views (3) This course builds on the concepts introduced in Created and Called for Community: we are made in the
image of God, made to live in community and called to serve Him within society. World Views courses
prompt students to consider various belief systems and perceptions of reality, as well as how those
perceptions have shaped and continue to shape people’s lives with special emphasis on how these belief
systems compare and contrast with a Christian worldview. Students are spurred to develop and support
QuEST – 2017 6
their own world view, how it applies to contemporary issues and how they may relate to others who may
or may not share their perspectives.
Course Description: An examination of the various belief systems which have and continue to shape
people’s lives with special emphasis on how these belief systems compare and contrast with a Christian
world view. Prerequisite: IDCR 151
IDPL 300 Pluralism in Contemporary Society (3) This course builds on the concepts introduced in Created and Called for Community: we are made in the
image of God, made to live in community and called to serve Him within society. By examining
differing perspectives within a society – i.e. religion, race, ethnicity, gender, class, ability – pluralism
courses address the effects of inequality, prejudice and discrimination. Engagement with these issues
allows students to articulate and practice an informed and faithful Christian response to diversity.
Course Description: An examination of contemporary issues and problems arising out of the racial,
ethnic, class, gender, and religious diversity of American society, with a special emphasis on raising the
students’ awareness of the effects of inequality, prejudice, and discrimination in American society.
Prerequisite: IDCR 151
QuEST – 2017 7
Sequencing of Requirements The white spaces indicate the time when each of the general education requirements should be taken.
When two or more years are indicated, the requirement may appropriately be completed during any of the
suggested years.
First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year
1.1 First Year Seminar FALL ONLY 1.2 Oral Communication 1.3 Created and Called for Community SPRING ONLY
2.1.A Mathematical Sciences
2.1.B Laboratory Science 4.1 Wellness **
2.2.A Social Science
2.2.B European History 2.2.C United States History 2.3.A Literature
2.3.B Religion/Philosophy 2.3.C Arts
2.4.A Languages ------ Writing Enriched Course
3.1.A Knowledge of the Bible* *Must be at least
sophomore status
2.5 Non-Western Studies
3.2 Christian Beliefs* * Must take BIBL 201 as prerequisite
2.4.B Cross Cultural Studies^
4.2.A,B,C Ethics in the Modern World* OR World Views* OR Pluralism in Contemporary Society*
*Must take CCC as prerequisite
2.1.C Science, Technology and the World * Case by case exceptions for appropriate equivalent courses made in light of the theological foundation of the
transferring college.
** Student-athletes must complete the following requirements during the semester in which they are enrolled in
PHED 102, in addition to participation in their intercollegiate sport:
- Completion of initial wellness assessment
- Completion of written assignment, discussing wellness assessment
- Attendance at two wellness seminars, including brief written response after each seminar
^ Students are strongly encouraged to take their Cross Cultural Studies course during their second or third years.
Should it become necessary to take during a student’s senior year, it should not be planned beyond J-Term.
QuEST – 2017 8
QuEST – 2017 9
Courses Meeting QuEST Requirements
The following listing represents those courses in each category that have been approved by the
General Education Committee. In some cases, the courses have been taught on a regular basis
while in other cases the course may have been taught infrequently.
Area 1: Abilities of the Liberal Arts
1.1 First Year Seminar [3 hrs] The list of seminars is published each summer.
IDFY 101 First Year Seminar (3)
IDFY 102 Honors First Year Seminar (3)
1.2 Oral Communications [3 hrs]
COMM 105 Fundamentals of Oral Communication (3)
1.3 Created and Called for Community [3 hrs]
IDCR 151 Created and Called for Community (3)
Area 2: Liberal Arts
2.1 Mathematical and Natural Sciences [9 hrs]
A. Mathematical Sciences [3 hrs]
CIS 171 Problem Solving with Computers (3)
CIS 180 Introduction to Computer Science and Information Systems (3)
CIS 181 Computer Programming I (3)
CIS 191 Web Development Client Side (3)
MATH 101 Introduction to Mathematical Sciences (3)
MATH 102 The Mathematics of Growth (3)
MATH 107 Applied Mathematics for Management (3)
MATH 108 Intuitive Calculus with Applications (3)
MATH 111 Calculus I (4)
MATH 180 Discrete Mathematics (3)
STAT 269 Introductory Statistics (3)
B. Laboratory Science [3 hrs]
BIOL 102 Bioscience (3)
BIOL 106 Life Science (3) (for Department of Education students only)
BIOL 117 Field Biology (3)
BIOL/SUST 140 Ecology and Sustainability (3)
BIOL 160 Molecular and Cellular Biology (4)
BIOL 161 Animal Form and Function (3)
BIOL 162 Plant Form & Function (3)
BIOL 212 Introduction to Horticulture (3)
BIOL 258 Human Biology (4)
QuEST – 2017 10
BIOL 269 Topics in Field Biology: Ecology of South Florida in Winter (3)
CHEM 102 Chemistry for Living (3)
CHEM 103 Chemical Science (4)
CHEM 105 General Chemistry I (4)
ESS 201 Earth and Space Science (3)
GEOL 152
NUTR 110
Geology (3)
Science and Nutrition (3)
PHSC 102 Physical Science (3) (for Department of Education students only)
PHYS 201 Introductory Physics I (4)
PHYS 211 General Physics I (4)
C. Science, Technology, and the World [3 hrs]
BIOL 216 Environmental Issues and Sustainable Solutions (3)
BIOL 218 Health Care in the Developing World (3)
BUSA 358 Making a Better World? (3)
IDST 300
IDST 300
IDST 300
Appropriate Technology (3)
Biotechnology (3)
Christianity and Science: Historical and Contemporary Interactions (3)
IDST 300 Exploring Electrical Technologies (3)
IDST 300 Genetics and Society (3)
IDST 300 Global Sustainability (3)
IDST 300 History of Electrical Technology (3)
IDST 300 History of Modern Science I (3)
IDST 300 History of Modern Science II (3)
IDST 300
IDST 300
Issues in Science and Religion (3)
Mind and Machines
IDST 300 Plants and People (3)
IDST 300
IDST 300
Psychology, Science and Technology (3)
Relationships and the Brain
IDST 300
IDST 300
IDST 300
IDST 300
IDST 300
IDST 300
Religion and Science in Early America (3)
Religion and the Rise of Modern Science (3)
Science and Belief in Modern Europe (3)
Scientific Revolution and European Order, 1500-1700 (3)
Social Aspects of Modern Science (3)
Stress and Health (3)
IDST 300
IDST 300
The Origins Controversy in America (3)
The Story of the Universe (3)
IDST 300 Women and Science (3)
PHIL 362 Philosophy of Science
SOAN 334 Population and Environmental Issues (3)
2.2 Social Sciences and History [6 hrs]
To complete this requirement, students must take one course from two of the following
categories:
QuEST – 2017 11
A. Social Sciences
CRIJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
ECON 110 Economics of Social Issues (3)
ECON 117 Issues in Environmental Economics (3)
ECON 120 Introduction to Economics - Macro-Economics (3)
EDUC/PSYC 203 Educational Psychology (3)
HDFS 101 Foundations of Marriage and Family (3)
POLI 113 American Government (3)
POLI 213 Comparative Politics (3)
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
SOAN 101 Introduction to Sociology (3)
SOAN 305 Harrisburg Neighborhoods (3)
SOWK 120 Introduction to Social Work (3)
B. European History
HIST 101 Western Civilization Before 1500 (3)
HIST 102 Western Civilization Since 1500 (3)
HIST 131 The Emergence of Modernity in the Western Imagination (3)
HIST 132 European Missionaries in Africa (3)
HIST 134
HIST 320
A Social History of Medieval England (3)
Reformation and Renaissance Europe (3)
C. United States History
HIST 141 U.S. History Survey Before 1865 (3)
HIST 142 U.S. History Survey Since 1865 (3)
HIST 151 Wild, Wild West: Battles over the American West and the Western
Image (3)
HIST 344 Civil War America (3)
2.3 Humanities and Arts [9 hrs]
A. Literature [3 hrs]
ENGL 122 Introduction to Poetry (3)
ENGL 124 Short Story (3)
ENGL 126 From Script to Screen (3)
ENGL 142 Selected Works of British Literature (3)
ENGL 144 Nineteenth-Century British Women Writers (3)
ENGL 146 Writing of the Inklings (3)
ENGL 148 Introduction to Shakespeare (3)
ENGL 152 Selected Works of American Literature (3)
ENGL 154 Introduction to Ethnic Literatures of the United States (3)
ENGL 160 Introduction to World Literature (3)
ENGL 162 Of Gods and Humans: Literature of the Ancient World (3)
ENGL 164 Studies in the Bible as Literature (3)
ENGL 172 Literature and the Life of Faith (3)
ENGL 174 Literature and the Environment (3)
ENGL 176 Twentieth Century Women’s Literature (3)
QuEST – 2017 12
GERM 301 Readings in German Literature I (3)
GERM 302 Readings in German Literature II (3)
SPAN 301
SPAN 305
Topics in Latin American Literature (3)
Latin American Plays of Protest (3)*Prerequisite: SPAN 206
SPAN 311 Topics in Spanish Peninsular Literature (3)
SPAN 314 Counter Reformation and the Spanish Baroque (3)*Prerequisite: SPAN 206
SPAN 331 Trans-Atlantic Literature (3)
B. Philosophy [3 hrs]
PHIL 101 Problems of Philosophy (3)
PHIL 102 History of Philosophy (3)
C. Religion [3 hrs]
RELI 205 Religions of the World (3)
RELI 206 Religions of the World for Majors (3)
RELI 228 Judaism (3)
RELI 229 Islam (3)
D. Arts [3 hrs]
ART 103 Introduction to Drawing (3)
ART 107 Introduction to Painting (3)
ART 112 Introduction to Graphic Problem Solving (3)
ART 130 Introduction to Computer Art (3)
ART 136 Paper Processes (3)
ART 143 Introduction to Watercolor (3)
ART 171 Foundations of Drawing (3)
ART 182 Color and Design (3)
ART 211 Computer Art (3)
ART 215 Painting I (3)
ART 220 Ceramics I: Wheel Techniques (3)
ART 221 Ceramics I: Handbuilding (3)
ART 224 Textiles Surface Design (3)
ART 232 Screen Printing (3)
ART 234 Weaving Techniques (3)
ART 236 Graphic Design and Visual Culture: Seeing, Thinking, and Making (3)
ART 237 Graphic Design I: Typography (3)
ART 251 Photography I (3)
ART 262 Construction and Assemblage (3)
ART 263 Carving (3)
ART 282 Form, Space, and Media (3)
ART 312 Digital Studio (3)
ART 330 Intaglio and Relief Printmaking (3)
ART 332 Lithography (3)
ART 334 Wearable Art (3)
ART 364 Casting (3)
DANC 305 Dance History (2), plus one of the following Dance Studios
QuEST – 2017 13
DANC 101 Ballet (1)
DANC 102 Jazz and Dance Theatre (1)
DANC 103 Modern Dance (1)
DANC 104 Tap Dance I (1)
MUGE 101 Fundamentals of Music Theory (3)
MUGE 203 Music Through Piano (3)
MUGE 208 Music Through String Instruments (3)
MUGE 209 Survey of Christian Song (3)
MUGE 210 American Popular Music (3)
MUGE 213 Music Through Percussion (3)
MUGE 217 Music Through Singing (3)
MUGE 218 Music Through Guitar (3)
MUGE 219 Music Through the Recorder (3)
MUGE 223 Jazz Improvisation (3)
MUGE 224 Songwriting for Beginners (3)
MUGE 225 Worship Music through the Guitar (3)
THEA 110 Introduction to Theatre (3)
THEA 120 Introduction to Acting (3)
THEA 150 Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design (3)
THEA 361 Creative Dramatics (3)
THEA 363 Theatre for Social Change (3)
2.4 Languages and Cultures [9 hrs]
To complete this requirement, students need to take one of the following options:
a. Three semesters of the same language, reaching the intermediate level of that language
OR
b. Two semesters of the same language plus an approved cross-cultural study
CHIN 101 Fundamentals of Chinese I (3)
CHIN 102 Fundamentals of Chinese II (3)
CHIN 201 Intermediate Chinese (3)
FREN 101 Fundamentals of French I (3)
FREN 102 Fundamentals of French II (3)
FREN 201 Intermediate French (3)
GERM 101 Fundamentals of German I (3)
GERM 102 Fundamentals of German II (3)
GERM 201 Intermediate German (3)
GREK 205 Fundamentals of Greek I (3)
GREK 206 Fundamentals of Greek II (3)
GREK 305 Intermediate Greek (3)
HEBR 205 Fundamentals of Hebrew I (3)
HEBR 206 Fundamentals of Hebrew II (3)
HEBR 305 Intermediate Hebrew (3)
LATN 101 Fundamentals of Latin I (3)
LATN 102 Fundamentals of Latin II (3)
QuEST – 2017 14
LATN 201 Intermediate Latin (3)
SPAN 101 Fundamentals of Spanish I (3)
SPAN 102 Fundamentals of Spanish II (3)
SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish (3)
IDCC 260 Cross-Cultural Study (3) (locations to be announced; vary by
academic year)
BIOL 218 Health Care in the Developing World (3)
ECON 260
HIST 319
Perspectives on Development
Special Topics: The History and Archaeology of Cyprus (3)
HRM/BUSA 352 Management in the Netherlands (3)
IDNW 200H Honors Non-Western Course. The Maori World (3)
MATH/CIS 391 Mathematics Professional Development in Burkina Faso (3)
NSG 493 Senior Practicum in Zambia (3)
NSG 493 Senior Practicum in Thailand (3)
SERV 260 Harrisburg Service-Learning Cross Cultural (1)
2.5 Non-Western Studies [2 or 3 hrs]
ARTH 210 Topics in Non-Western Art (3)
HDFS 383 Topics in Multicultural Families: Kenyan Families (3)
HIST 17 World Civilizations: Bronze Age to 1500 (3)
HIST 172 World Civilizations: 1500 to Present (3)
HIST 372 Modern Civilizations of Asia (3)
HIST 379 History of the Middle East (3)
HIST 381 History of Africa (3)
HIST 383 South Africa: Struggle for Freedom (3)
IDNW 200 Africa History Survey (3)
IDNW 200 Africa Through Literature (3)
IDNW 200 African Music and Culture (2)
IDNW 200 African Ways of Life (3)
IDNW 200 Caribbean Island Society and Culture (3)
IDNW 200 Cinema in the Islamic World (3)
IDNW 200 Education. in Sub-Saharan Africa (3)
IDNW 200
IDNW 200
Japanese Culture: Ancient, Contemporary, Popular (3) Japanese
Popular Culture (3)
IDNW 200
IDNW 200
Japanese Society and Culture (3)
National, Regional & Global: Contemp. Latin Amer. Cinema (3)
IDNW 200 Latin America Through Film (3)
IDNW 200 Latin American Music and Culture (2)
IDNW 200 Pacific Island Food and Culture (3)
IDNW 200 Themes in Latin American Theatre (3)
MUMH 338 Studies in Ethnic Music (2)
PHIL 318 Asian Philosophy (3)
POLI 222 Politics in Latin America (3)
POLI 346
POLI 370
Russia after Communism (3)
Chinese Politics (3)
QuEST – 2017 15
RELI 321 Christianity in Latin America (3)
RELI 329 Christianity in Africa (3)
RELI 332 Christianity in Asia (3)
RELI 333 Religions of India (3)
RELI 334 Religions of China and Japan (3)
SOAN 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3)
SOAN 221 Native American Cultures (3)
SOAN 381 Topics in Non-Western Cultures (3)
SPAN 302 Culture and Identity in Latin America (3)
SPAN 305 Latin American Plays of Protest (3)
Area 3: Christian Faith
3.1 Knowledge of the Bible [3 hrs.]
BIBL 201 Encountering the Bible (3)
BIBL 202 Encountering the Bible for Majors (3)
BIBL 203 Encountering the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) (3)
BIBL 204 Encountering the New Testament (3)
3.2 Christian Beliefs [3 hrs]
THEO 205 Introduction to Christian Theology (3)
THEO 207 African-American Theology (3)
THEO 209 Anabaptist Theology (3)
THEO 211 Brethren in Christ Life and Thought (3)
THEO 213 Pentecostal Theology (3)
THEO 215 Roman Catholic Theology (3)
THEO 217 Wesleyan Holiness Theology (3)
THEO 219 Theology and Christian Unity (3)
THEO 221 Faith and Society (3)
THEO 223 Global Christian Theology (3)
THEO 225 Practical Theology of the Urban Church (3)
THEO 227
THEO 229
Theology, Violence, and Non-Violence (3)
Theology and American Culture (3)
THEO 238 Christian Theology I: God and Humanity (3)
Area 4: Social Responsibility
4.1 Wellness [1 hr.]
To complete this requirement, students must take one wellness activity course from the list
below.
APHS 170 Concepts of Conditioning (2)
DANC 101 Ballet (1)
QuEST – 2017 16
DANC 102 Jazz and Dance Theatre (1)
DANC 103 Modern Dance (1)
DANC 104 Tap Dance I (1)
WELL 101 Introduction to Wellness (2)
WELL 102 Intercollegiate Sports (1)
WELL 103 Adapted Physical Education (1)
WELL 104 Swimming for the Non-Swimmer (1)
WELL 105 Intermediate Swimming (1)
WELL 106 Aquatic Aerobics (1)
WELL 107 Beginning Racquetball (1)
WELL 108 Intermediate Racquetball (1)
WELL 109 Beginning Volleyball (1)
WELL 110 Intermediate Volleyball (1)
WELL 111 Advanced Volleyball (1)
WELL 112 Beginning Tennis (1)
WELL 113 Intermediate Tennis (1)
WELL 114 Dance and Rhythm Activities (1)
WELL 115 Skiing/Snowboarding (1)
WELL 116 Intermediate Skiing (1)
WELL 117 Self Defense (1)
WELL 118 Creative and Expressive Movement (1)
WELL 119 Beginning Yoga (1)
WELL 120 Racquet Activities (1)
WELL 121 Team Activities (1)
WELL 122 Flag Football and Basketball (1)
WELL 123 Strength Training and Conditioning (1)
WELL 124 Safety and R.A.D. Systems for Women (1)
WELL 126 Tennis and Volleyball (1)
WELL 127 Aquatics (1)
WELL 128 Developmental Gymnastics/Rhythmical Activities (1)
WELL 129 Beginning Pilates (1)
WELL 131 Disc Activities (1)
WELL 135 Non-traditional Games (1)
4.2 Engaging the Pluralistic World: Interdisciplinary Perspectives [3 hrs]
To fulfill the Engaging the Pluralistic World requirement, students must take one course from
one of the following categories.
A. Ethics in the Modern World
BIBL 293 The Bible and Social Ethics (3)
BIOL 315 Environmental Ethics (3)
BIOL 317 Bioethics (3)
CRIJ 348 Ethics in the Criminal Justice System (3)
EDUC 356 Moral Education (3)
HDFS 340 Ethics and Family (3)
IDET 300 Children and Society (3)
IDET 300 Ethics of Caring (3)
QuEST – 2017 17
IDET 300 Moral Issues in Business (3)
IDET 300 Perspectives on Justice and Rights (3)
IDET 300 Sport and Ethics (3)
IDET 300 The Court’s Holy Battles (3)
PHIL 325 Moral Problems (3)
PHIL 382 Ethics (3)
POLI 320 Ethnic and Racial Politics in America (3)
POLI 330 Terrorism (3)
SOAN 335 Social Conflict, Justice and Peacemaking (3)
B. World Views
IDWV 300 World Views (3)
PHIL 345 Philosophy of Religion (3)
C. Pluralism in Contemporary Society
CRIJ 389
EDUC 346
World Justice Systems (3)
Social-Cultural Perspectives on Education (3)
HDFS/PSYC/
SOAN 342
Women and Men in American Society (3)
HDFS 383 Topics in Multi-Cultural Families (3)
HDFS 386 Family Ethnicity and Human Services (3)
HIST 3XX
HIST 351
Pennsylvania History (3)
Native American History (3)
HIST 352 African-America History Since 1865 (3)
HIST 353 Immigrant America (3)
HIST 355 U.S. Urban History (3)
HIST 392 Women and Gender in History (3)
HPED 329 Sport in Society (3)
IDPL 300 Disability and Society (3)
IDPL 300
IDPL 300
Personal Narratives of a Pluralist Society (3)
The Holocaust (3)
IDPL 300 Racism and Racial Reconciliation (3)
POLI 310
POLI 316
POLI 325
American Political Thought (3)
Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (3)
Women, Family and Politics (3)
RELI 342 Religious Pluralism in America (3)
RELI 355
SOAN 315
Christianity in North America (3)
Urban Sociology (3)
SOAN 356 Engaging Diversity and Inequality (3)
SOAN/HDFS 384 Families in America (3)
THEO 354
Theology and Gender
QuEST – 2017 18
Guide to Navigating Advising Equivalencies for QuEST Requirements
1. BEFORE taking QuEST classes elsewhere, a student should check the online Transfer
Course Equivalency Database:
If a QuEST course appears in this database:
o Students participating in off-campus programs still need to complete an Off-
Campus Study Course Approval Form in which they list the specific courses
they plan to take and the specific requirements (i.e. Art, Non-Western, etc.)
which they plan to meet with those courses.
o Students taking a course for traditional transfer credit do not need to submit
additional pre-approval paperwork to receive credit for the existing course
equivalency, once advisors review the course to ensure that students are
interpreting the database correctly.
If a course does not appear in the database, the student must submit one of the following
forms in advance of taking the course to ensure it meets the appropriate QuEST
requirement:
o Off-Campus Study Course Approval Form (for students studying in an approved off-
campus program through, and available from, the Intercultural Office at Messiah
College)
o Approval for Transfer Credit Form (for students not studying in an approved study
abroad program through the Intercultural Office at Messiah College; e.g., local
community college)
Students must list the specific courses they plan to take and the specific requirements
which they plan to meet with those courses and review those expectations with their
advisors to ensure that the anticipated courses meet with their degree plan.
2. WHEN REQUESTING AN ARTICULATION (EQUIVALENCY) FOR A QuEST
COURSE:
Students and advisors will be expected to provide the institution, course name and
description. When possible, students may be asked to provide a class syllabus. General
guidelines for types of course which may potentially meet requirements appear in the
Transfer Guidelines.
The Registrar’s Office and Assistant Dean of General Education and Common
Learning determine whether/ how well a particular course meets the various objectives
set forth in each area of QuEST. These objectives were established in light of our
institution’s specific educational mission and goals
QuEST – 2017 19
Important Considerations Regarding QuEST Equivalencies
The determination of how effectively an interdisciplinary (IDS) course satisfies a
particular QuEST requirement rests with the Registrar and Assistant Dean of
General Education and Common Learning. When determining how effectively a
distribution course (QuEST course within a department) satisfies a particular General
Education requirement, these parties may consult with Department Chairs, to the extent
that the course meets specified discipline-related educational objectives.
An established partnership with an institution (e.g., via study abroad articulation) does
not necessarily guarantee articulation of their coursework for our particular QuEST
requirements.
Classes are not equated solely by the type of course (i.e. Art, History, etc.) .
Waivers of QuEST components are only granted in very rare circumstances
Additionally, certain QuEST requirements must be taught from a Christian
perspective (i.e., from Messiah or another institution with a similar Christian theological
foundation):
1.3.A Created and Called for Community (Messiah only)
2.1.C Science, Technology and the World
3.1 Knowledge of the Bible
3.2 Christian Beliefs
4.2.A. Ethics in the Modern World
4.2.B. World Views
4.2.C. Pluralism in Contemporary Society
When in doubt, please contact Dr. Robin Lauermann, Associate Dean of General
Education, Common Learning and Advising!
For example, if a student would like a particular class to meet his/her Pluralism in Contemporary Society
requirement, the class will need to meet the following objectives:
4.2.C. Pluralism in Contemporary Society
Objectives: By the completion of the course the students will demonstrate the ability to:
a. outline contemporary issues arising out of the pluralism of race, ethnicity, social class, gender, disability and religion.
b. examine contemporary society from diverse viewpoints and through these,
increase self-knowledge. c. explain some effects of inequality, prejudice, and discrimination.
d. articulate and practice an informed and faithful Christian response to diversity.
QuEST – 2017 20
Transfer Equivalencies (Must meet all QuEST course objectives for specific requirement)
Requirement Equivalency Level
First Year Seminar 3 credits English composition (Awarded if 1 or more full-
time semesters of college have been completed.)
100
Created and Called for
Community
Messiah College course 100
Oral Communication 3 credits public speaking (e.g. speech, relational
communication)
100-200
Mathematical Sciences 3 credits mathematical science beyond college algebra
(Some majors may have specific course requirements.)
100-200
Laboratory Science 3-4 credits laboratory science (e.g. biology, chemistry,
physics, geology containing a lab component. Some
majors may have specific course requirements.)
100-200
Science, Technology, & the World Messiah College course 200
Social Science 3 credits introductory psychology, sociology,
anthropology, economics, or political science
100-200
History 3 credits European or United States history (e.g.
introduction to the foundations of the discipline and
survey of the broader area of study)
100-200
Literature 3 credits literature (e.g. American writers, British writers,
Shakespeare, short stories, poetry)
200
Philosophy/Religion 3 credits philosophy or religion (e.g. introduction or
history of philosophy; world religion)
100-200
Arts 3 credits art, music, or theatre (Must have a studio
component. e.g. drawing, photography, singing, acting)
100-200
Languages & Culture 3 semesters of same modern language 100-200
Non-Western Studies 3 credits in non-western studies (e.g. Asian, Latin
American, Native American, African studies)
200
Biblical Knowledge *Messiah College course 100-200
Christian Beliefs *Messiah College course 200-300
Wellness 2 1-credit activity courses (transfer students only) 100
Ethics in the Modern World or
World Views or Pluralism in
Contemporary Society
Messiah College course 300-400
*Case by case exceptions for appropriate equivalent courses made in light of the theological foundation of
the transferring college.
NOTE: Some majors have specifically defined courses that meet both a major and a QuEST requirement.
Consult the current Messiah College catalog for more information.